News

Charting the path towards sustainable blue economy: the Mediterranean leading the way, a Union for the Mediterranean-led event on the region’s role in advancing the sustainable use of marine resources to promote socioeconomic development, took place today at the UNOC3 Mediterranean Day in Nice. Government officials, development agencies, regional networks, private sector actors, and civil society showcased innovative financing mechanisms, cutting-edge technologies and replicable initiatives. Spain formally signed an €8.5M contribution to the Blue Mediterranean Partnership (BMP), a multi-donor fund promoted by the UfM that mobilises investments in sustainable blue economy projects in the Southern Mediterranean and Red Sea areas…. read more

9 June 2025, Nice. The Secretary General of the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM), Nasser Kamel, took part in the Summit for a Connected Mediterranean held today in Nice. Organised under the auspices of the President of the French Republic, the summit gathered 21 heads of state and government from Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Gulf to strengthen cooperation on land, maritime, and digital connectivity. Key regional organisations such as the EU and the Gulf Cooperation Council and major development banks including the EBRD, EIB, and World Bank were also in attendance alongside the UfM. Secretary General Kamel emphasised the UfM’s… read more

The Mediterranean Sea is one of the most plastic polluted areas in the world. The leakage of plastics into the sea is likely to double by 2040 if waste management is not radically improved. Studies also suggest that if current trends continue, there could be more plastic than fish in the sea in 25 years’ time. Approximately 730 tonnes of plastic waste are released into the Mediterranean daily. This is not only a pressing environmental issue, but a socioeconomic and public health challenge as well since plastic pollution is a vector for invasive species, it accumulates in the form of… read more

27 May 2025, Istanbul. The Union for the Mediterranean is hosting its first Digital Sustainable Week in Istanbul, an event designed to examine the role of artificial intelligence and sustainable investment in advancing inclusive development. As the Mediterranean—and the world—grapples with the seismic shifts brought about by digital transformation, the UfM is gathering policymakers, researchers, business leaders, journalists and civil society from May 26 to 29 to chart a path toward ethical and sustainable innovation in the region. Organised in partnership with the German Development Cooperation (GIZ), the four-day event also spotlights issues relating to gender equality in digital spaces. One of the… read more

21 May 2025, Leipzig, Germany – The Union for the Mediterranean (UfM), in collaboration with the International Road Federation (IRF) and the International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC), and with the financial support of Sweden (Sida), organised the Official Side Event titled “Effective Qualifications-Based and Gender-Responsive Procurement as a Tool to Enhance the Resilience of Transport Systems” on 21 May 2025 during the ITF 2025 Summit held in Leipzig, Germany. Transport systems in many LMICs remain under development, making the current decade crucial for avoiding inefficient investments and costly retrofitting in the future. Natural hazards cause an estimated USD 15… read more

15-16 May 2025, Matera, Italy. As part of the preparations for the 2026 edition of the Mediterranean Capitals of Culture and Dialogue (MCCD), a joint delegation from the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) and the Anna Lindh Foundation (ALF) carried out a two-day working visit to Matera, Italy, one of the two designated Capitals alongside Tétouan (Morocco). Its objective was to support local stakeholders in finalising the 2026 cultural programme and strengthening its outreach, engagement, and visibility. Over two days of intensive meetings, representatives of the UfM and the ALF met with the team and Board of Directors of Fondazione… read more

16 May 2025, Barcelona. The Union for the Mediterranean was honoured with a Creu de Sant Jordi (‘Sant George’s Cross’), one of the Catalan government’s highest distinctions, in an award ceremony last night at Catalonia’s National Art Museum (MNAC) in Barcelona. This recognition was granted for the UfM’s “outstanding work in promoting cooperation and dialogue among Mediterranean countries.” The UfM was among the 21 individuals and 10 organisations who were recognised this year for their exceptional civic and cultural impact in Catalonia. Headquartered in Barcelona, the UfM strengthens ties between Euro-Mediterranean countries to address common challenges including climate change, gender… read more

Paris, 13 May 2025. The Secretary General of the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM), Nasser Kamel, took part in the Franco-German Forum on the Mediterranean held in Paris on 12–13 May. The forum, titled “Regards croisés sur les défis et opportunités”, gathered high-level stakeholders to discuss pressing issues and future opportunities across the region. SG Kamel contributed to the opening session on the political stakes and perspectives in the Mediterranean, joining a panel that included senior foreign policy officials from Germany and France as well as leading regional analysts. Over the course of the forum, Kamel engaged in sessions addressing… read more

Kuwait City, 12 May 2025 – As part of Kuwait Sustainable Energy Week, the 5th UfM Energy and Climate Business Forum convened policymakers, industry leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs alongside high-level representatives from key institutions such as the European Union, the United Nations’ ESCWA (Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia), the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), RCREEE (Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency), GIZ (German Agency for International Cooperation), Kuwait’s Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy, National Bank of Kuwait (NBK), and STC (Saudi Telecom Company). The gathering aimed to drive forward the sustainable energy transition and… read more

07 May 2025, Brussels, Belgium – The 9th meeting of the Union for the Mediterranean’s (UfM) Regional Platform on Trade, Investment and Industry was held on 7 of May 2025 at the European Commission’s premises in Brussels. The event gathered senior officials from across the region, alongside experts from the European Commission, to discuss key regional initiatives across priority areas: regional integration, industrial cooperation, and sustainable trade and investment. The meeting was inaugurated with speeches by Léon Delvaux, Director at DG TRADE, and Joan Borrell, Deputy Secretary General of the UfM. It was co-chaired by Mercedes Bonet, Deputy Head of… read more